Hi Everyone,
First I'm not a writer and don't have an easy way with words. I hope to share this journey and have a way to keep you all updated. In part this is a mechanism to help me express some thoughts and my outlook. To start this blog has been a challenge as I face Cancer and the road ahead towards treatment and healing. In general I consider myself somewhat reserved and I don't want people to treat me different or receive pity/sympathy but I do understand and greatly appreciate everyone's support, concern, care, love, or prayers/thoughts and I wanted to be able to share my battle. I'm blessed to have so many in my corner as I carry on with one of the most significant challenges one may face.
Well this journey began in early Dec 2020 when I had a sore/stiff neck and I noticed a lump on the right side of my neck. I didn't think much of it suspecting that my body was just fighting a bug or infection. My neck muscle soreness went away in a day or two and the lump didn't hurt or appear discolored. I noticed that through the Holiday Season, the lump didn't seem to go down or change. I had a routine medical appointment in mid-January of 2021 and brought it up to my Dr's attention. Had a ultrasound and then was referred to ENT specialist in Lloydminster who then did a needle biopsy which had indicated no malignant cells. In order to get a definitive answer the Dr. then scheduled me for a Head/Neck CT scan and an open biopsy so ultimately on the 9th of March, I was diagnosed with Cancer.
At that moment gravity seemed to increase, time concurrently seemed to both speed up and slow down. In that moment I thought of my family and in my mind I said "okay I have a fight ahead, and I am determined to win!" The drive home was pretty rough for Richelle and I particularly since Richelle's mother was diagnosed with Cancer a couple of months prior and was just starting chemotherapy. We thought 2020 was bad but 2021 was not starting off well at all!
I was then referred to a different specialist (ENT/Oncology) at the University of Alberta in Edmonton to determine type, treatment and so forth. What followed was a visual exam of my sinuses, throat, tongue and a full body PET/SCAN. I had a biopsy done for some suspect tissue seen at the back of my tongue which confirmed specifically Squamous Cell Carcinoma at the base of my tongue which has spread to my lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. I really like this Dr. and have full confidence in him. He is optimistic about overall outcomes and very easy to talk with.
Prior to my diagnosis Cancer has had significant impacts on my life. My mother had a number of cancers and was able to fight and survive living to a great age of 96! I really don't know many of the particulars or even treatments as a lot was not disclosed given the generation and probably a desire so I would not worry but I know there were struggles and strength. I've seen a broad spectrum of outcomes with cancer and understand that it encompasses a variety of issues, treatments and outcomes.
Presently, I am scheduled for surgery in about 3-5 weeks that will be quite extensive where the cancerous tissues will be removed from my neck and back of tongue. It is expected to be about 18 hrs and I am expected to be in hospital for 1-2 weeks. Some reconstruction of my tongue is planned and will involve some skin grafts. Of course I am concerned about scaring, swallowing, voice characteristics and the usual risks with surgery. My treatment afterwards will be dependent on the pathology from the removed tissue however the Dr is fairly certain it will be radiation therapy.
In the interim I have some more test to get done. The trips to from Edmonton (3hrs each way) are at least not through the winter conditions! Fortunately I feel pretty good physically and am taking it day by day, keeping positive, and trying not to dwell on this diagnosis.
We are strong, and we're ready to take this on together. We all feel your support, wishes, thoughts and prayers. I will do my best to keep this updated as much as possible.
Love and best wishes everyone. Carlisle